Benefits of Asparagus
Of the endless varieties of delicious and healthy summer produce we can talk about, asparagus is at the top of our list. Whether it’s because of the vegetable’s benefits for health or distinctive flavor, we can’t seem to get enough of it. Asparagus emerges each spring after the ground defrosts, its massive root system gives it the strength to grow around six inches a day. This vibrant green vegetable originated in Greece over 2,500 years ago and began to spread in popularity throughout Europe. The Romans offered asparagus to their gods during rituals. During medieval times, raw asparagus tips were crushed and used to treat swelling and pain due to stings, wounds, and infections. Also, did you know that asparagus takes about three years from seed to the time of harvest? It takes between six to eight years to reach its prime where it could produce large yields per acres.
Benefits of taking asparagus
Asparagus, as a vegetable, has many health benefits. Asparagus contains many nutrients; it is low in calories and packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some of asparagus benefit for health are as follows;
Many Nutrients but Few Calories
Asparagus is certainly low in calories but boast an impressive nutrient profile. A small portion of cooked asparagus contains a lot of nutrients. The nutrient facts include.
- Protein: 2.2 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Fiber: 1.8 grams
- C Vitamin 12% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 57% of the RDI
- A Vitamin : 18% of the RDI
- Vitamin E: 7% of the RDI
- Folate: 34% of the RDI
- Phosphorus: 5% of the RDI
- Potassium: 6% of the RDI
- Energy: 93.22 grams
The minerals stored in asparagus include iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, potassium. It also contains a very low amount of calories, sodium, and no cholesterol. It is a rich source of dietary fiber, which is good for the body as it provides much-needed energy.
Improves Digestion
Asparagus contains sufficient amounts of inulin, which is a type of complex carbohydrate commonly known as prebiotic. The benefit for health of inulin is the improved absorption rate at the large intestine. Along with improving digestion. It is widely recommended in Ayurveda therapy for its effectiveness in curing diarrhea, dysentery, and dyspepsia. Which is a feeling of abdominal uneasiness which leads to naval pains and burning sensations, occurring after eating.
Anticancer Potential
Asparagus is rich in glutathione, a detoxifying compound that helps break up carcinogens and other harmful compounds like free radicals. The benefit for health of this compound is to fight against certain forms of cancer, such as bone, breast, colon, larynx, and lung cancers.
Good Source of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are those compounds that help protect your cells from the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. The nutrient fact of consuming these antioxidants is that it possesses the ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. This could help slow down aging as well as reduce the risk of abdominal inflammation.
A Brain Booster and A Natural Diuretic
Asparagus is good for the brain. The health benefits of asparagus are its ability to reduces cognitive decline. As it contains folate which helps reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and its high levels of the amino acid asparagine. Which serves as a natural diuretic, helping the body to release excess salt by increased urine.
The benefits for health of Asparagus are numerous, from weight loss, improved digestion, healthy pregnancy outcomes, and lower blood pressure, asparagus has got it all, plus it’s inexpensive, easy to prepare and makes a delicious addition to a number of different recipes.
Some further good reads
